270 Celebrate 45th Versammling At Jacksonville Church

May 13, 1988|by RICHARD DRUCKENBROD

With the lights dimmed and the music playing, 270 men and women proceeded from the sanctuary of the Jacksonville Church to take their places at the banquet tables for the 45th Versammling last Saturday night.

The music was provided by der Carl Ritter unn sei Buwe (Carl Ritter and his boys).

Der Vormeeschder (Master of Ceremonies) Sterling Zimmermanwelcomed the assembly and called on der Vorsinger (song leader) Ralph Zettlemoyer to lead in the singing of "es Lied (the song) Amerikaa" in Pennsylvania German dialect.

En ruhichi Minutt (a quiet moment) was observed to honor der Parrer Clarence Rahn (Pastor Clarence Rahn) and his wife, Catherine, who got the Versammling started as a means of encouraging the continuation of the folk culture and language.

Der Parrer Richard Druckenbrod, one time interim pastor in the parish, was called upon for "es Gebet" (the prayer).

Members of the congregation served up a banquet feast of "Oxefleesch unn gemaahlens Oxefleesch-leelb" (beef and ground beef loafs) with all the trimmings, right down to "Bloobarriger Gensewei" (Blue Mountain goose wine/ water). The homemade lemon pie was a fitting climax to an excellent meal well served.

Der Vormeeschder Zimmerman got everyone on their feet for "die Verbinnerei" (the oath), requiring various commitments first of the men and then also of the women. He spoke of how as a young lad he sang solos in church with such results that there wasn't a dry eye in the place. But then came a new organist who played the notes properly and spoiled all his singing.

Zimmerman noted the conversation of two buddies in the local bar. One noted that the other had shaved off his beard. The second said that he raised a beard because he had a face so grotesque.

Der erscht Schwetzer (the first speaker) was Clarence Heffentrager, Haaptmann (head man) of Grundsau Lodsch Nummer Zwee (Groundhog Lodge Number 2) of Lansdale. In addition to a series of stories which got everyone laughing heartily, he lifted up the importance of "en gut Fundament" (a good foundation), extolling the folk characteristics which today can provide a good foundation for those willing to perpetuate "die Koscht unn Wege" (the cuisine and ways) of the Pennsylvania German folk.

Zettlemoyer led the group in the singing of "Die Schnitzelbank" (the carving bench), beloved folk song, after which Dorothy Kerschner and Mildred Nester entertained with "Dummheede unn Bissel Singes" (antics and a bit of singing), including "Die Ford Maschien" (the Ford automobile).

Zimmerman called on "der zwett Schwetzer" (the second speaker) for the evening, der Parrer Richard Wolf, Luttrischer Parrer aus Oley (Lutheran pastor from Oley). He recounted the story of the pastor who called on a farmer in his parish. The farmer invited him to sit in the living room while he showered and cleaned up. The pastor became absorbed in a book lying there and ate a whole dish of peanuts. Embarrassed, he told the farmer what happened and received the assuring reply: "Zidder ass ich mei Zaeh geroppt griggt hab, kann ich yuscht meh die Schokolad absuckele unn kann nimmie die Grundniss selwert esse!" ("Since I got my teeth pulled, I can only suck the chocolate and can't eat the peanuts myself!")

Wolf also noted the matter of two farmers who were at odds for some 50 years despite living as neighbors. When the one was on his death bed he sent for the other. When the neighbor arrived, he inquired how it was that after all these years of contention, he should be sent for. The reply was: "Ich sehn all mei Freind widder im Himmel. Awwer des iss es letscht Mol ass ich grigg fer schwetze mit dir!" ("I'll see my friends again in heaven. But this is the last time I'll get to speak to you").

Loud approval greeted Zimmerman's inquiry as to whether the folks wanted a Versammling next year. After "es Schlussgebet" (the closing prayer) by Parrer Druckenbrod, the 45th Versammling was closed.